Rome’s winter sales (saldi) continue and are a highlight of many travelers making their tour through Rome’s cobblestoned streets. With so many wonderful items on sale, the choices may seem endless–at least, that’s how I found it be while making my way to Giolitti on Via Uffici del Vicario.

If you are in Rome or traveling to the city, then you may have noticed that the weather has been…well, unseasonably warm with a dash of intermittent cold and rain. Truly, there are still days warm enough for expats and tourists (used to really cold weather) to break out sandals and other summer wear, or light/moderate autumn clothing.

With this weather, there is one site that you should visit while you have the chance: The Baths of Caracalla(Le Terme di Caracalla).

The Baths of Caracalla, ~AD 216

In the vicinity of the Basilica of St. John Lateran (the seat of the diocese of Rome, today presided over by Pope Francis), take a stroll down Via dell’Amba Aradam to the sumptuous view of Piazza Numa Pompilio and the Baths of Caracalla. You can also reach the Baths via the metro line B’s Circo Massimo stop, especially if you are coming from Testaccio or some parts of Trastevere.

If for many Christmas is symbolized by the fir tree, the tree decorations, and by the miniatures of a jolly but belabored Santa Claus climbing into chimneys with his massive bag of gifts, then for many others the symbol of Christmas is represented by a crib.

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Piazza Navona is already of great historical and architectural renown, and its massive annual Christmas market adds a hefty dose of magic to this busy attraction. On an average day, thousands of people make their way easily through the open stadium-shaped piazza. During its Christmas market, however, the piazza is transformed into a crowded marketplace, filled with stalls selling all sorts of decorations (such as the Epiphany’s Befana dolls, shown above), foods (make sure to try a hot ciambella, shown below), jewelry, books, and a host of other things.

You’ve bought your ticket, packed and repacked your bags, have been crossing off the days on your calendar leading up to your departure date, and probably have been psyching yourself up for your trip by imagining touring the Vatican or the Colosseum.

Leaving aside the politics of whether to call it street art or graffiti, 2014 was a great year for Rome’s alternative art scene. Both Italian and international street artists have made the Eternal City their latest canvas for cultural and self-expression, and many of the city’s more residential neighborhoods.

October 31st to November 2nd marks a span of time that most Italians view with superstition. It is known as the “Bridge of the Dead,” beginning with Halloween and ending with the Celebration of the Dead—a 72-hour period steeped in occult tradition, stemming from ancient Roman history.

Lost souls, the dead returned to life…masks, witchcraft, nursery rhymes and much more: are they really dark magic or mere superstition? Or are they simply old wives tales that contain a grain of truth from some forgotten time? In Rome, with its worshipping of ancient gods, there has always been special attention paid to these dark tales.